Why technology trends are revolutionising the interview process (and how to prepare!)

Today’s students and graduates are the first generation to grow up completely immersed in the digital age – and graduate recruiters are catching up with the latest trends.

Top employers are utilising digital methods such as video interviewing as precursors to later stages of the application process – including Barclays and Accenture. Accenture have even gone so far as to introduce ‘real-time’ coding challenges for tech roles, allowing the applicant to write a program online whilst the recruiter observes remotely.

It’s fair to say the application game is changing – so how should you prepare for video interviews? Milkround are on hand to share their top tips.

1)       Perfect your interview answers

The key to performing well at any interview is to prepare ahead - so take some time to consider what kind of questions the employer might ask. Use the STAR technique to shape your interview answers to demonstrate key competencies such as communication, teamwork and problem solving skills. Don’t be tempted to write a script of answers to read from during the interview - just because the interviewer isn’t sitting in front of you doesn’t mean they won’t notice you’re reading from a script.

2)       Set the scene

Secure a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed to conduct your interview. Don’t forget, not only will the interviewer be able to see you through the webcam; they’ll also be able to see your surroundings. Take a minute to check the lighting is right, and to tidy up any clutter or mess in the background.  Finally, don’t let Wi-Fi signal let you down on the day; make sure you won’t go offline mid-interview.

3)       Get ready to look the part

Be prepared to look your best on camera, and that means dressing in office attire. While it might be tempting to dress in a shirt on top and hide your pyjama bottoms under the desk, don’t risk it – you won’t feel as professional, and the employer might spot those PJ’s.

4)       Speak with a smile

It’s a well-known fact that 93% of communication is non-verbal; and 38% of that is made up of your tone of voice. Try recording yourself answering a practice question to ensure that your tone is bright and professional. Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if you sound a bit nervous the first time – recording yourself a few times should help improve your confidence.

Currently in charge of Candidate Engagement Marketing at Milkround, Chantelle Barton has worked in the graduate recruitment industry for the last three years, and has been on the interviewer and interviewee side of video interviews. Drop her a line on chantelle.barton@milkround.com if you’d like a chat.